I searched for the answer in the FAQ's but was unable to locate anything, so I am sorry if this is a repeat.

After our trip from SMF to BUD this fall, we'll have enough points 35k to book a free flight. We are looking into going to Barbados in Feb 08.

Question: The only flight I can see that is available is a four hour leg over to ATL, with nearly a four hour layer over, followed by another four hour leg over to Barbados. The thought of spending nearly four hours at ATL just doesn't sit well, free or not. Since we are using an award, is it possible for us to pay to get into the Crown Room? That is a lot easier to stomach if you have to wait four hours at an airport.

Question: Other programs allow you to book awards before you actually earn the points. Will Delta allow me to put two flights on hold (my husband has the exact same point balance as I do) even though we won't have all of the points until our trip in November 07? I don't want to wait because I know how limited the award seats are and if we wait until Nov to book a flight if Feb 08, we may be out of luck.

Last question: Can I "buy" points to fly 1st/biz class over to Barbados, thereby not needing an answer to the first question. I will call and ask them, but does anyone know how many points I would have to buy?

Thank you!!!!

Dawn